Deonte’ Bolden

Author of the Month

Interview by Teresa B. Howell

Teresa B. Howell: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Deonte’ Bolden: I’m Atlanta based Award-Winning author, filmmaker, host, playwright, and CEO of my own production company titled Deonte’ Bolden Productions. Through my production company, I made my directing and playwriting debut with the premiere of my stage play “ Looking For Love In All The Wrong Places.” The inaugural work was well- received by the Atlanta community and inspired audiences during the 2 sold out performances while receiving several nominations. I have been interviewed on platforms such Atlanta 57 Live and 11 Alive News, and I’m currently developing a series of works built around my life experiences that will inspire many generations.

TBH: What does it feel like to be an author?

DB: Being An Author is rewarding and POWERFUL. God choses me of all people to give an idea to while trusting me to see it through. I write and share the vision and release my sound into the universe while watching how it impacts reader’s lives one reader at a time. It’s a blessing to know that my body of work will be here long after I’m gone and God calls me home.

TBH: At what point of your life did you say, “I want to write children’s books”?

DB: Last year, when the world shut down, I had a lot of time to write ideas. It was around my brother’s birthday and I begin to reminisce and think about our conversations. Suddenly, I remembered the time when he told me that he wished that he could walk again and how he wished that kids wouldn’t stare at him and treat him differently. Next, I was coming up with the concept of telling a story from the point of view of children who were disabled while using those conversations in the story.

TBH: Were you an avid reader as a child?

DB: Yes, reading was a way of escaping reality as a child.

TBH: What is one of your favorite children’s book and why?

DB: I loved the Berenstain Bears collection of books. It was the family bond between parents and children along with the theme of their stories that resonated with me because t I came from a single-family home.

TBH: What influenced your writing career and why?

DB: After the passing of my brother in 2006, I didn’t want to live anymore, however, I started writing and expressing my thoughts and emotions, which lead to me writing poetry, scripts, and then venturing into writing books that would change lives forever.

TBH: Are you self-published or do you use traditional publishing? What made you decide on which option was best for you?

DB: Self-Publishing because I like to have creative control over my stories. It gives me the opportunity to craft and control content every step of the way.

TBH: Will you be writing other books in the future?

DB: Absolutely, I am just enjoying the process of promoting my first two stories, however, I do see more books coming very soon. Stay tuned.

TBH: Who completed the art work in your books? What advice can you give other individuals who want to follow in your footsteps?

DB: TRUST the process and TRUST yourself. If you have ideas and a story then write it, and don’t be afraid to share your story because someone somewhere is waiting for you to release your sound into the earth THAT WILL change their life forever.

TBH: Please list your website and/or your social media platforms.

DB: Deonte’ Bolden Productions | Providing Ministry Through the Arts. Deonte’ Bolden Productions is a Christian production company that provides ministry through the arts. www.deonteboldenproductions.com IG: @deonteboldenproductions, FB: @deonteboldenproductions FB: @differentlyabledbook

TBH: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

DB: I have a short film that will be released soon titled “ The Skin I’m In Vol. Melanin Melanie which deals with the issue and topic of colorism in the African American community. I also have my own awards show coming 10/22/2022 titled “ The Bolden Awards” where we acknowledge and award those who are making big moves in the industry while achieving greatness. I have a stage production titled “ Looking For Love In All The Wrong Places” coming to the stage in Marietta, GA at The Sewell Mills Cultural Arts Center February 12th & 13th, 2021 @6pm EST. Tickets will go on sale in December. You can visit my website www.deonteboldenproductions.com for more information.